Implementation of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Parkinson Patients: Using Boxing as an Example

Abstract

Background:Persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) benefit from continuous exercise through participation in community-based exercise programs. However, community programs often lack PD-specific knowledge needed to provide safe and adequately dosed exercise.Objective:To evaluate the acceptability and safety of a PD-specific boxing program in the community.Methods:We developed specific educational resources to facilitate the boxing instructors. We also organized an educational and practical workshop for patients (n = 26) and instructors (n = 10), and assessed: (a) participants’ satisfaction; (b) instructors’ appreciation of the educational resources; and (c) numbers of patients interested in participating in the boxing program. After 18 months, patients and instructors completed a questionnaire evaluating: (a) participants’ satisfaction; (b) adverse events; (c) facilitators and barriers; and (d) proportion of participants at follow-up.Results:Twenty-six persons with PD (62% men) and 10 boxing instructors participated in the workshop. 81% of patients and 80% of instructors were very satisfied. Instructors found the educational materials “very helpful” (60%) or “helpful” (40%). Patients expressed a clear interest (54%) or possible interest (46%) in the program. We initiated classes with 10 participants. At 18-months follow-up, the program consisted of four boxing sessions/week, led by three instructors, with 40 participants. Seventeen patients responded to the questionnaire at follow-up. Participants were “very satisfied” (53%), “satisfied” (35%) and neither satisfied nor unsatisfied (12%) with the program. Adverse effects were mild (e.g., muscle aches). Transportation and physical disability were the main barriers for participation.Conclusions:The boxing program was well-received, with increasing numbers of participants at 18 months. The educational resources can support boxing instructors participating in current and future boxing classes being delivered in the community.

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High-Cadence Cycling for Parkinson Disease: A Single-Arm Hybrid Implementation and Effectiveness Clinical Trial in the Community Setting

“…There is speculation that exercise may even slow disease progression and protect neurons. [4][5][6] While many exercises such as dance, 7 tai-chi, 8,9 running, 6 boxing, [10][11][12] Nordic walking, 13,14 qigong, 15 and aquatic exercise 16,17 have demonstrated e cacy in small clinical trials, few studies 11 have examined the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions in the real-world setting. Lack of evidence regarding feasibility and effectiveness of exercise may be one barrier to its routine prescription for individuals with PD.…”

A Novel Boot Camp Program to Help Guide Personalized Exercise in People with Parkinson Disease

“…Yet, there is a variety of rehabilitation, exercise, and physical activity programs that are now available for individuals with PD. Some of the more common approaches highlighted in recent literature include amplitude-based movements [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], dance [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], Tai Chi [ 12 , 13 ], Qigong [ 14 , 15 ], Nordic walking [ 16 , 17 ], boxing [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], and aquatic exercise [ 21 , 22 ].…”